Hit Squad cruiser-weight fighter Hezron Maganga has pledged to deliver a historic gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Maganga said his level of confidence has sky-rocketed after he became the first Kenyan pugilist to storm the quarter-finals of the IBA World Boxing Championships since 2013.
“I did my homework well and the coaches also played a vital role in steering me to the feat,” Maganga stated.
The towering ferocious puncher was the toast of the nation after putting up a valiant fight to tuck away the landmark victory at the Humo Arena in Tashkent Uzbekistan on May 3.
Maganga, who locally plies trade for the Kenya Defence Forces’ boxing team DEFABA, demolished French Polynesia’s Tetoofa Henere in an engrossing action-packed thriller to bask in the glory.
“My superb performance in Uzbekistan has made me believe more in myself and accorded me the incentive and inspiration. I need to stamp authority in subsequent tournaments,” Maganga said. With history already on his side, Maganga has now vowed to storm the medal podium in France next year.
“The new heights I reached in Uzbekistan left me in high spirits and I now believe more than ever that I can secure a medal for our country at the forthcoming 2024 Paris Olympics,” Maganga said. “I’ll do whatever it takes to keep the momentum going,” he added.
Before Maganga’s historic triumph, Kenya had encountered a decade-long drought on the rugged terrain of the premier global boxing showpiece.
Decorated pugilist Rayton Okwiri recorded the country’s last win in Almaty, Kazakhstan 10 years ago, where he sent Australian Daniel Lewis to the gallows to halt a previous 25-year drought.
Maganga reckons he has now amassed sufficient expertise and experience in his repository to pull off a vintage performance against any opponent.
“I’m well prepared for whatever challenge I’ll encounter in Paris. The coaches continue to polish me adequately for the tasks ahead,” Maganga said.
Having swept his way to the Kenya Boxing National League title in his weight category last year, Maganga has reiterated his desire to dominate the local scene.
Maganga is exuding confidence ahead of the three-day national trial organized by the Boxing Federation of Kenya (BFK) starting on July 29 at Charter Hall in Nairobi.
“I’m not being cocky but I don’t think there is anyone in the country capable of dethroning me as the cruiserweight champion at the moment,” Maganga said.
Eventually, he hopes to become a professional but only after he has decorated his trophy cabinet with an Olympic medal.
“The dream is there but I must first achieve my target of clinching a medal at the Olympic Games,” he said.